Nice, Andy.....Your description of having vinyl for a "baby-sitter" was both endearing and enviable!
It occurred to me as I listened (one of my favorite ways to experience your writing!), that your POV reflects record stores in the 21st century, quite naturally. Then, I came upon your use of the phrase "second-hand."
Cue the Wayback Machine: In the '70s, with the preponderance, of course, of record stores with nothing but first-release, brand-new vinyl, customers knew what they wanted (due to radio play, or seeing a concert), and, there was much less browsing, because most people knew not only what they wanted, but were aware of what else is out there (kinda like soap at the grocery store....you get your favorite, even though you're aware of the other brands).
Of course, we '70s record store employees encouraged customers to browse for new stuff, and that's where we knew to "chat 'em up"---"say, if you like the new Paul Simon single, you might enjoy Ralph McTell (who got no airplay) or this Stephen Michael Schwartz album" (Hi, Stephen)!
I actually can't remember "used record stores" from back in the day. There were weekend swap meets and garage sales, and when I moved to L.A. (from Houston) in '80, I learned about the record swap meet (monthly?) in the parking lot across from the Capitol Records iconic building, and went several times!
In other words, it appears it may have taken until the '80s for a secondary market to emerge, fully-formed, for records, and how the now-exhilarating shopping experience of "going to a record store" is today, with no mention, whatsoever, of what kind of store. It HAS to be a used record store, now....right? Sure they'll have the handful of new vinyl releases (both of them! I see you red-vinyl new Cher "Christmas" album!), but really, isn't that the current state of "the record store" now? I've actually never really thought about it this way before your article!
Which certainly explains the thrill of the search angle experienced today. Sure, it was fun browsing stores 50 years ago, but again, you were usually aware of any new releases, and go for those. At "used record stores" today, their inventory changes daily with new treasures brought in by owners regularly!
Ben Stein's "Ferris Bueller" teacher.............anyone? Anyone?
Thank you, Brad! This is very interesting, and something I had never thought about... but which makes perfect sense! It might be a good idea to write something longer about this... the quintessential record store experience: from your perspective (golden days) and mine (revival). I can sense another collab in the making! Thanks again for bringing so much value and perspective to this space!
I'm curious if you have any rituals when you step inside a new store. Do you rush to a particular section first? I start with my top 3 favorite artists to see if there are any bootlegged recordings, then I work through Soul/Funk next, etc.
I definitely check for my current top “want list” items first thing, then I go for the secondary titles. If the store isn’t too big, I’ll try to comb through all the bins. But there are stores here in NYC where the selection is so big that the task can seem overwhelming, but finding one gem can fuel a really comprehensive search. And that thrill of the hunt is one of the joys of collecting, isn’t it?
I’m glad your husband understands your feelings for record stores. Mine is the same way. He used to bring a book when we’d go to Tower Records (back in the day) so I didn’t feel rushed.
Record shopping at a used store can an intense feeling experience for me. It’s calming in some ways but I also get anxious that someone will nab that LP I’ve been longing for just before I do.
I’ve also had some wonderful conversations in record stores with fellow collectors. Some odd ducks, to be sure, but also some really knowledgeable and passionate peeps.
Thanks, Andrew! So sweet your husband would bring a book so you didn't feel rushed. Other spouses should watch and learn! (I'm very lucky with mine, but what you sometimes hear in collectors circles is atrocious).
I see what you mean about the adrenaline you sometimes feel. It has happened to me too, especially when the store is crowded and I'm finding gem after gem. Your mind sort of goes "game on!".
You hear all sorts of things at record stores, particularly small/local stores, or those specialised in some niche or obscure genre. Some interactions are priceless!
"What I do know is that, sometimes, it’s more about searching and less about finding."
100%.
Half the fun is never knowing what you might find!
Right?!
Nice, Andy.....Your description of having vinyl for a "baby-sitter" was both endearing and enviable!
It occurred to me as I listened (one of my favorite ways to experience your writing!), that your POV reflects record stores in the 21st century, quite naturally. Then, I came upon your use of the phrase "second-hand."
Cue the Wayback Machine: In the '70s, with the preponderance, of course, of record stores with nothing but first-release, brand-new vinyl, customers knew what they wanted (due to radio play, or seeing a concert), and, there was much less browsing, because most people knew not only what they wanted, but were aware of what else is out there (kinda like soap at the grocery store....you get your favorite, even though you're aware of the other brands).
Of course, we '70s record store employees encouraged customers to browse for new stuff, and that's where we knew to "chat 'em up"---"say, if you like the new Paul Simon single, you might enjoy Ralph McTell (who got no airplay) or this Stephen Michael Schwartz album" (Hi, Stephen)!
I actually can't remember "used record stores" from back in the day. There were weekend swap meets and garage sales, and when I moved to L.A. (from Houston) in '80, I learned about the record swap meet (monthly?) in the parking lot across from the Capitol Records iconic building, and went several times!
In other words, it appears it may have taken until the '80s for a secondary market to emerge, fully-formed, for records, and how the now-exhilarating shopping experience of "going to a record store" is today, with no mention, whatsoever, of what kind of store. It HAS to be a used record store, now....right? Sure they'll have the handful of new vinyl releases (both of them! I see you red-vinyl new Cher "Christmas" album!), but really, isn't that the current state of "the record store" now? I've actually never really thought about it this way before your article!
Which certainly explains the thrill of the search angle experienced today. Sure, it was fun browsing stores 50 years ago, but again, you were usually aware of any new releases, and go for those. At "used record stores" today, their inventory changes daily with new treasures brought in by owners regularly!
Ben Stein's "Ferris Bueller" teacher.............anyone? Anyone?
Thank you, Brad! This is very interesting, and something I had never thought about... but which makes perfect sense! It might be a good idea to write something longer about this... the quintessential record store experience: from your perspective (golden days) and mine (revival). I can sense another collab in the making! Thanks again for bringing so much value and perspective to this space!
I'm curious if you have any rituals when you step inside a new store. Do you rush to a particular section first? I start with my top 3 favorite artists to see if there are any bootlegged recordings, then I work through Soul/Funk next, etc.
I definitely check for my current top “want list” items first thing, then I go for the secondary titles. If the store isn’t too big, I’ll try to comb through all the bins. But there are stores here in NYC where the selection is so big that the task can seem overwhelming, but finding one gem can fuel a really comprehensive search. And that thrill of the hunt is one of the joys of collecting, isn’t it?
Great post, Andres,
I’m glad your husband understands your feelings for record stores. Mine is the same way. He used to bring a book when we’d go to Tower Records (back in the day) so I didn’t feel rushed.
Record shopping at a used store can an intense feeling experience for me. It’s calming in some ways but I also get anxious that someone will nab that LP I’ve been longing for just before I do.
I’ve also had some wonderful conversations in record stores with fellow collectors. Some odd ducks, to be sure, but also some really knowledgeable and passionate peeps.
Thanks for this!
Andrew
Thanks, Andrew! So sweet your husband would bring a book so you didn't feel rushed. Other spouses should watch and learn! (I'm very lucky with mine, but what you sometimes hear in collectors circles is atrocious).
I see what you mean about the adrenaline you sometimes feel. It has happened to me too, especially when the store is crowded and I'm finding gem after gem. Your mind sort of goes "game on!".
You hear all sorts of things at record stores, particularly small/local stores, or those specialised in some niche or obscure genre. Some interactions are priceless!
What a keeper of a husband you've got there Andrew! I absolutely miss Tower Records. Some of my best memories are from inside those walls.
You captured the feelings perfectly!
Cheers, Terry!
My wife is the same way - except sometimes she snaps a spycam shot of me and I get to see what I look like when I'm lost in another world...
That’s so cool! So sweet she does that. Gives you nice memories as well.